A modeling framework was developed to analyze the effect of traffic information strategies on the performance of congested traffic corridors with signal controlled intersections. The framework consists of three components: a traffic network simulation model, a route choice model to determine drivers' responses to given real-time information, and an information model. The traffic network simulation model is based on a periodic simulation approach and describes the dynamics of traffic flow in the network. The vehicles are moved each second according to car-following logic while responding to traffic control devices and movement of nearby vehicles. The driver decision component is microscopic and determines individual drivers' route choices based on available information at any node of the network. The information components calculate travel time information using traffic conditions predicted by traffic network simulation. This framework allows for the investigation of traffic information system performance under variable signal control, as well as under different information strategies. Results are presented for simulation experiments in a simplified actual network. The model gives simulated results close to observed values. The results illustrate the effect of the users equipped with in-vehicle navigation systems on overall system performance. In addition, to optimize system performance under advanced traveler information systems, signal control and informed rate must be evaluated at the same time. This modeling framework provides a useful approach in the design of traffic information systems throughout simulation experiments.
